Summary
President Donald Trump has nominated Erica Schwartz, who was deputy surgeon general during his first term, to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC has not had a permanent director for eight months and has faced internal problems and leadership conflicts. Schwartz’s nomination requires Senate approval before she can start.
Key Facts
- Erica Schwartz, former deputy surgeon general under President Trump’s first term, is nominated to lead the CDC.
- The CDC has been without a permanent director for eight months.
- The previous director, Susan Monarez, was fired less than a month into her role after disagreements about vaccine policies.
- Many senior CDC officials have left, citing politicization of the agency and loss of independence.
- Jay Bhattacharya has served as interim CDC chief since February.
- President Trump also named Sean Slovenski as deputy director and Jennifer Shuford as chief medical officer of the CDC.
- The White House and Senate must complete a confirmation process for Schwartz before she can take charge.
- The CDC is a key U.S. public health agency responsible for disease control and prevention.
